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{
    "id": 135496,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/135496/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 304,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Ongoro",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 125,
        "legal_name": "Elizabeth Ongoro Masha",
        "slug": "elizabeth-ongoro"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Motion. But I want to add my voice to those who have spoken before me to make a statement that, in my opinion, that Ministry is one of the most important Ministries in this country. The allocation that they were given, in my opinion - and I believe it has been said by many hon. Members in this House – is not sufficient to take this country from where we are to the level of an industrialized nation. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I support the Motion, but I believe that the Ministry can help this country by decentralizing the locations of industries through a policy formulation. For example, if they put in place policies that will restrict investors--- For example, those who want to invest in fish processing should be compelled to locate their industries near the source. Those that are wishing to process fruits, for example, should be compelled to go to Eastern Province and so on. That way, we can open up the country through that Ministry and create jobs in every province. That will also help to decongest our cities. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Ministry should also consider tax rebates for companies that already exist. That will encourage investments and make Kenya a preferred destination for investors. We have, in the recent past, experienced many company closures, especially those that are located within the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) of Athi River and Kasarani. About 70 per cent of those companies have closed down, thus, rendering many youths and those who depended on those companies jobless. That has created many other problems. The Ministry should also become more vigilant by supervising existing companies. We do not want investors coming into this country to establish businesses and to offer employment - which is a very good thing – but, at the same time, exploit Kenyans by underpaying them and forcing them to work for long hours, which is not stipulated in our laws. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I also request the Minister to put in place, policies that would ensure a reduction of production costs. Kenya is losing many investors to our neighboring countries. Of course, I know it is not within their mandate to control things like the cost of electricity, but I believe that they can put in place policies that will ensure that we become more competitive. I would also encourage the restructuring of the Jua Kali sector. For a long time, it has remained static. It is high time that the Ministry put in place policies and structures that will upgrade the Jua Kali sector into light industries. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, every country has got structures and policies that encourage entrepreneurs, especially those with very innovative skills. They are financed to access markets. They are supported and funded by the Government not just to compete nationally, but regionally and internationally. In supporting the business entrepreneurs, I would encourage the Ministry to pay more attention to our youth. The youth is emerging at such a force that if not well absorbed through the Ministries such as this, we are going to experience an explosion. The Ministry should also come up with similar policies to ensure that companies also absorb women. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, with those few remarks, I beg to support."
}